Author Spotlight Series · character development · picture book

Where the Writer Ends and the Character Begins 

Craig Barr-Green likes to see how a writer creates unbearable tension and resolves it. Like Gina, he sometimes experiences sensory overload, and like Gina he can deal with it by jumping into a book.

Author Spotlight Series · picture book · writer's notebook · writing process

From Idea to Book: Sharing the Process

When we write, we gain an insider’s perspective on the process. Sharing what we learn with kids makes teaching authentic and meaningful.

Author Spotlight Series · inspiration

Inspiration Advice – Tree House Not Included

Natasha Tripplett is often asked where she finds her writing inspiration. She's fortunate to work in an environment that lends itself to oodles of ideas.

Author Spotlight Series · biography · inspiration

You Can Write For Children

Remember what made you say “wow” as a kid? Richard Ho advises to build your story around that sense of magic.

Author Spotlight Series · professional books

How Do I Fit It All In? Reflecting on Writing Beyond February 

Dawnavyn James writes, "I thought that if this was going to be my only opportunity to share the importance and benefits of Black history in the elementary classroom, I had to be strategic. I had to be purposeful. I had to choose, which was very hard for me to do."

Author Spotlight Series · middle grade novel

Writing to Remember

Today's guest author, Ruth Behar, states, "When I think about the most essential reason why I write, it is to remember. To remember those who came before me and what they thought and how they lived and what they dreamed of. "

nonfiction · nonfiction writing · picture book

Writing Wonders

Nonfiction authors often start with wonder. But to spark wonder, we need to “prime the pump” with some knowledge, either by reading a book or article, studying a photograph, or watching a video. That’s where all of Kirsten Larson’s books begin! This post will help you find appropriate media to spark student curiosity and guide them through the process of writing down their wonders. The end result: topics students are eager to research and write during their writing time.

Author Spotlight Series · nonfiction · picture book · spelling

Can You Spell U-p-l-i-f-t? The Power of Spelling to Level the Playing Field

In 1936, eighth grader MacNolia Cox became the first African American to win the Akron, Ohio spelling bee and to advance to the finals in the national bee. How Do You Spell Unfair is the story of her groundbreaking achievement against a backdrop of racial discrimination.

art · Author Spotlight Series · illustrations · illustrators

Finding Inspiration: A Children’s Book Illustrator’s Journey

A journey through diversity, emotions, and nature: A children's book illustrator's endless pursuit of inspiration.

Author Spotlight Series · teacher-as-writer · writer's notebook

Doing More to Inspire

The things that motivate author Dana Kramaroff, to push through writing heavy content, are also what motivates so many of her students. She values the habits that energize her process, the tricks she uses to keep going, and the ways in which she helps herself when writing is difficult.

Author Spotlight Series · the persona of a writer · writers

No, Really. I’m a Writer

Crystal Hubbard states, "I don't hide that I write. But I probably don't talk about it as much as I should in terms of strengthening my 'brand.'"

Author Spotlight Series · partnerships · poetry

Death is My Writing Partner

Many authors appreciate the support of writing group friends to provide feedback and perspective on projects. Amy Ludwig VanDerwater gratefully writes with Death by her side.